Preston’s new coronavirus cases remained around the 100 mark for a second-day running as a fourth tier of coronavirus restrictions have been reported as being considered by the government.
The city saw 97 new confirmed Covid-19 cases for Sunday (25 October).
South Ribble saw 56 new cases for the same day.
Blackburn-with-Darwen had the highest daily increase in Lancashire with 163 new cases.
Latest infection rates for Preston have the city on 439 per 100,000 people for the seven days to 20 October.
Read more: Lancashire County Council recruiting for local ‘track and trace’ roles
There have been 141 coronavirus-related deaths confirmed up to 9 October in Preston.
In South Ribble the infection rate is 396 cases per 100,000 people.
There have been 95 coronavirus-related deaths confirmed up to 9 October in South Ribble.
See the latest coronavirus cases and information near you
Tier-three restrictions began in Preston, and Lancashire, on Saturday 17 October and these are currently the highest level in the government in England’s Local Covid Alert Level system.
Reports in TheiNews suggest Whitehall and local authorities are beginning discussions about a new ‘fourth tier’ for restrictions to try and bring the infection rates down in hotspot areas – such as Preston and Lancashire.
Additional measures could include shutting restaurants and non-essential shops and retailers.
The government wants to see the R rate for badly affected local areas drop below 1.
Preston and Lancashire’s tier-three restrictions, which include the closure of non-food pubs and bars, tougher household mixing rules and the urging of people not to travel outside the area, are due to be reviewed 28-days after their introduction.
Read more: See the latest Preston news and headlines
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